Petaluma, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Petaluma (pop. 59,776, Sonoma County) regulates dogs through Chapter 9.08 of its Municipal Code (https://petaluma.municipal.codes/). Section 9.08.130 (Animals at Large — https://petaluma.municipal.codes/Code/9.08.130) makes it unlawful for any owner or possessor of an animal to allow it to be at large. Dogs are considered 'at large' if they are not on the premises of their owner or under physical restraint by a person capable of controlling the dog by means of a leash not exceeding six feet in length. The leash requirement applies everywhere outside the owner's enclosed property except in designated off-leash dog parks (Rocky Memorial Dog Park, Helen Putnam Regional Park designated areas). All dogs over six months of age cited for being 'at large' in violation of Section 9.08.130 must be spayed or neutered and microchipped at the owner's expense as a condition of release from impound. Section 9.08.180 (Dog barking and other animal noise — https://petaluma.municipal.codes/Code/9.08.180) prohibits any animal that, by sound, disturbs the peace of any neighborhood. The Sonoma County Department of Animal Services handles enforcement under contract with the City of Petaluma.